Cheap Multi Fuel StovesSummary: These basic and light-weight stoves use wood and hexamine tablets as well as white fuel and gas canisters with one nozzle. They are popular in cold weather, however they can be noisy and lack the ability to control the simmer.
Some multi-fuel stoves are hybrids capable of burning multiple kinds of liquid fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Universal, for example, burns white and isobutane fuel in its canisters.
Optimus Nova
The Optimus Nova multi-fuel stove can be used to cook a variety of liquid fuels. It has a quick-priming burner as well as an aluminium pump that self-purges, and a precise simmer control. Its low center of gravity and broad legs make it a stable, rock-solid stove. This makes it an ideal stove for base camps for groups kayaking, Arctic camp.
The Optimus Nova is different from other stoves with liquid fuel that have a problem with fuel that is not burned remaining in the fuel line or the nozzle. This can be resolved by flipping the bottle. This removes the intake hose from the fuel, forcing it to draw air into the stove, which smothers the flame and depressurizes the bottle.
This is a pretty ingenious solution to a long-standing problem, and it works. The Nova can be used with a variety of regular fuel bottles that are sealed with an o-ring. This includes MSR bottles. It comes with an oven bag that has pockets for tools, spares as well as lubricant and the fuel pump.
This is an excellent all round backpacking stove for use in the UK especially for long-distance trips in which a variety of fuels is required. The price is very reasonable compared to other canister stoves that have similar capabilities. The Optimus Nova is also easy to maintain and fun to use.
Kovea Hydra
Since 2010, the Kovea Multi Fuel Stove has been a cult favorite among backpackers. It isn't as popular UK backpackers seem to give the stove a lot of attention perhaps because they've fallen behind with more popular brands or whatever the latest lightweight product from China or Korea is, but this doesn't mean that the Hydra doesn't still have its merits.
It's a relatively compact and light stove, burning all liquid fuels, including white gas and propane butane, using only one nozzle. It's a pretty standard stove design, with an ignition bell that is bolted onto an aluminum body that is anchored by three support legs that fold out. The pump is situated above the fuel line, while the generator loop runs around the inlet, and the flame spreader is situated above. The burner itself is a low velocity flame type that allows it to be less affected by wind.
It's a versatile little cooker since it can be used with either isobutane canisters or propane canisters. It's simple to simmer on isobutane or propane and burns all fuel types at a decent level but is a little slower than some other stoves that use white gas.
The instructions for the Hydra are written in English but they were clearly not written by native users of the language. The instructions warn against the use of certain kinds of lighter fluids, which if mistaken for what is actually intended can result in an accident that could land Kovea in a lot of legal hot water. However, any 7/16ths UNEF threaded gas canister from a reputable manufacturer should work just fine.
Primus OmniLite Ti
Primus Omnilite Ti can be an ideal option for those looking for a multifuel cooker that cooks with a variety fuels. It can be used with petrol/gasoline, gas, or diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. It has separate controls for every fuel type, and you can also adjust the flame size. The stove comes with an oil pipe that is flat on the floor and can be connected to the tank quickly.
While the Primus Omnilite is a fantastic stove, it does require maintenance to keep it working correctly. Particularly it has a tendency to flare during priming, which can be a bit dangerous. This is a problem that is common to all stoves that use liquid fuel, which use a secondary spindle on the stove's side instead of an evaporator to cool the fuel.
It is also important to know that every fuel type requires a different jet. If you cook using kerosene, then the jet hole will be smaller than if you were using gas. It's not a major issue, but it's worth mentioning.
MSR Whisper Light
The MSR Whisper Lite stove is one of the tiniest, lightest and most affordable multi-fuel stoves. It is also simple to repair in the field. It is able to be used with canister fuel or liquid gas and comes with attachments for both. The new model is lighter by 10% than its predecessor, and the burner system has been redesigned to ensure better heat distribution. This is an excellent choice for backpackers on a tight budget or beginners.
It takes some time to prepare, set up, and boil water but the whistler Lite is a reliable camp stove that will not let you down. The flame is powerful and can boil a liter of water within two minutes. The only downside is that it's not as effective for simmering as other stoves.
MSR created the Dragonfly to be a better burner. It has a similar design to the whistler,
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves but is smaller and has more performance. It's not as inexpensive as the Whistler Lite. The Soto Amicus cookset and stove is an excellent alternative, providing similar features for less than half the price. You can also purchase a Whisperlite International or Universal for isobutane canisters as well. The same basic design is used for both but the Universal version can be run with canister fuel in addition.
Coleman Sportster II
This is a simple, no-frills Coleman stove that does its job. It's sturdy and compact, and it's self-contained with the tank on the bottom and burner up top. This makes it simple to use and a great choice for beginners, backpackers who want to save on weight, and for those of us who prefer to have a backup or two in the van.
Designed to burn Coleman's own exclusive fuel (naptha gas, also known as white gas), this stove can be used with unleaded gasoline too. A gallon of gasoline will last for as longer as a standard Coleman liquid fuel cylinder, so you'll save money on fuel by using this option.
Liquid fuel stoves come with a learning curve, as you'll have to pressurize and prime them before you create a beautiful blue flame going. If you get it wrong the fuel could be sprayed, pool, or splash over the burner or sputter. To master this try it out in the open before your trip.
The stove will lose some of its performance and efficiency if you choose to use non-Coleman fuels, but this is a tradeoff in its versatility. Make sure to purchase gasoline that isn't leaded and not enhanced with methanol or
Cheap Multi Fuel Stoves (alcohol). This is because these kinds of fuel will cause the unit to degrade, leak, sputter and possibly even explode!
ATG Jiko
The ATG Jiko multi fuel stove made in South Africa (formerly known as the jiko) is a light multifuel stove that's designed for harsh conditions such as Africa. It's a compact, reliable system that can burn gels, solid fuel tabs, and alcohol through one nozzle. It's a minimalist and ultralight design that is priced lower than other multifuel stoves. Fuel is also cheaper per liter when compared to gas canisters.
Other multifuel stoves have an individual nozzle for every type of fuel. This makes them a little difficult to change in the rain or without gloves and can add to their overall weight. The newest models of multifuel stoves have come up with an option to use the same nozzle for various fuels, which makes it easier. The newer models of these stoves are referred to as 'hybrid' or 'compressed multifuel stoves'. there are various names for them such as isobutane canister fuel white gas, kerosene, and unleaded car gasoline/petrol.
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multifuel stove with back boiler stove kit is available to transform your Trangia burners into multifuel cookers.